tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38546493373695171922018-05-28T02:30:53.450+01:00Shoebury BloggerA view from the 13th floor of Southend Civic CentreTony Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582104984399398091noreply@blogger.comBlogger694125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854649337369517192.post-27132334561488547772018-03-16T12:57:00.001+00:002018-03-16T12:57:45.790+00:00Statement Regarding Recent Court CaseOn Wednesday 14th March 2018, I was acquitted at Basildon Crown Court of the charge of assaulting Jamie Waterfield, thereby occasioning him, actual bodily harm following an incident on the 20th May 2017. Below is the full statement that I made to the media following my acquittal:<br /><br /><i>"&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I would like to thank the 12 men and women of the jury who have helped me restore some faith in the criminal justice system and the Judge for the exemplary way that proceedings were handled.</span></i><br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></div><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">"I would like to thank my barrister Paul Jones and my solicitor Melanie Cooke who believed in me throughout this process.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></i><i>"I would also like to thank my friends and family for their kindness and support but especially my wife and children for helping me through the past 10 months despite the endless harassment, violence and stalking that they have had to endure from the supposed "victim" in this case whilst the Police stood idly by allowing the supposed "victim" to continue with complete impunity to terrorise my family just to try and preserve a case against me.</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>"This isn't a time for celebration but a time for reflection on the state of our criminal justice system. We don't have a functioning Police force in Southend. Instead we have what can only be described as a criminal protection service.</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>"Our criminal justice system is seen as the envy of the world,. This case was brought about, I believe, because of political prejudice by the Police and the CPS. The investigation by the officer in the case was conducted from the gutter. I was even subject to intimidation by the officer in the case during court proceedings which had to be brought to the attention of the prosecuting barrister.&nbsp;</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>"This needs to be put into context with the conduct of my legal team. My barrister, Paul Jones, told the jury that he left his political beliefs at the door of the court to represent me. My solicitor, Melanie Cooke, who comes from Labour Party family where her father, Joe Cooke, the Parliamentary Candidate for Castle Point at last year's General Election, never let Politics get in the way in her attempts to clear my name.</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>"If this is the standard of Policing that the Chief Constable of Essex Police finds acceptable then he needs to consider his position with immediate effect.</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>"The CPS also have questions that need to be answered. There has been issues with disclosure in the case and the CPS defied a court order only giving us access to all the required information at the 59th minute of the 11th hour before the start of the trial.&nbsp;</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>"Before the case started the Judge insinuated to the prosecution barrister that this matter should not be in his court.</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>"When I first appeared at Southend Magistrates Court in June last year, I was only accused of throwing a single punch at Mr Waterfield. When the trial started, I was accused of throwing 2 punches. Before the trial started I was asked if I would accept to be bound over to keep the peace for 6 months and the case dropped. I refused. Even after I was acquitted,&nbsp;</i><i>the CPS still tried to get the judge to have a restraining order put on me.&nbsp;</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>"The CPS were hell bent on trashing my name and reputation at all costs. The judge, at the end of the trial, said that I leave the court without a stain on my character.</i><i>&nbsp;I thank him for that.</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>" The CPS have an obligation to regularly review all cases to see if their is a realistic chance of conviction. The jury needed only 5 minutes of deliberation to decide that I was not guilty.&nbsp;</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>"In light of all this, I therefore call for the head of the CPS Alison Saunders to resign with immediate effect.</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>"I will now consult with my legal team on my next steps."&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</i>Tony Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582104984399398091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854649337369517192.post-37301796699651824032016-04-21T11:01:00.000+01:002016-04-21T11:01:00.366+01:00Shoeburyness - Still the Forgotten Part of Southend<div style="display: block; font-family: &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;">Yesterday, I was given a copy of the Veolia beach cleaning schedule. It was an interesting document in that it is proposed that all beaches will be cleaned except for East Beach? Why was East Beach left off?&nbsp;</div><div style="display: block; font-family: &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;">This is just another example of Shoeburyness becoming the forgotten part of Southend under this Independent Party/Labour/Lib Dem/Ex UKIP Administration.</div><div style="display: block; font-family: &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;"><br /></div><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7074509803921568" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_81637" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/309939734/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;access_key=key-I92VxdTguZkBWWImqsSO&amp;show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe>Tony Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582104984399398091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854649337369517192.post-51027471347211927782016-04-20T12:35:00.002+01:002016-04-20T12:35:50.006+01:00Is This The Better Quality That We Can Expect From This Administration?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LP-G-fzt4NM/VxZhnNr5pNI/AAAAAAAAA-A/UWj2msaqdRoCTRTXjfKD_oK_7B8t082xwCLcB/s1600/Delaware%2BCrescent%2BPictures.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LP-G-fzt4NM/VxZhnNr5pNI/AAAAAAAAA-A/UWj2msaqdRoCTRTXjfKD_oK_7B8t082xwCLcB/s400/Delaware%2BCrescent%2BPictures.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />We have heard much trumpeting from the coalition Administration that the new waste contract will save over a £1 Million and deliver a better service. There has been much scepticism over these claims. I hope it works out, I really do, but the evidence just recently does not fill me with much confidence.<br /><br />The above photos were taken in a very small crescent in West Shoebury. A road that in my years of being a councillor has not suffered from fly tipping or missed collection issues.<br /><br />This sadly is becoming a regular occurance with my colleague Derek Jarvis reporting similar issues in another part of the ward yesterday. The rubbish has been reported to officers with the offending items now being removed.Tony Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582104984399398091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854649337369517192.post-12857318607088055792016-04-09T09:14:00.002+01:002016-04-09T14:05:11.847+01:00Martin Terry - Ex Chief of What?Yesterday, I <a href="http://shoeburyblogger.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/essex-police-crime-commissioner-runners.html">posted the runners and riders</a> in this years Essex Police &amp; Crime Commissioner elections.<br /><br />It has been widely announced that the hapless Martin Terry, an Independent councillor and portfolio holder here in Southend, will be standing as a candidate in these elections. He did not disappoint.<br /><br />When looking at the nomination, I was curious in the description next to Martin Terry's name - Zero Tolerance Policing Ex Chief. What is Martin Terry an ex chief of? Paperclips? My curiosity was that for anyone to have a description next to their name other than the word Independent means that they have to belong to a political party registered with the Electoral Commission.<br /><br />After a quick look, sure enough, registered in 2012 was the Political Party Zero Tolerance Policing Ex Chief:<br /><br /><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7080062794348508" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_10953" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/307440407/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;access_key=key-zXybKS1vCsgFsTVQIf6b&amp;show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe><br /><br />So much for Martin Terry's 'independence'. The leader of the party is <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Hurley">Kevin Hurley</a> who is currently the Police &amp; Crime Commissioner for Surrey and a former Police Detective Chief Superintendent. Last month Mr Hurley shot to national fame after publicly announcing that he '<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-surrey-35793654">wanted to break a criminals legs</a>'. <span style="color: red;">Should an elected member in charge of the Police really be advocating violence?</span><br /><br />Those who know Martin Terry will now that there is no level that this man would stoop but to claim being an Independent, standing for a political party and trying to pose as a former chief police officer to deceive is probably the lowest that someone can stoop in politics.Tony Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582104984399398091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854649337369517192.post-32875153540727206232016-04-08T15:22:00.001+01:002016-04-08T15:22:25.723+01:00Essex Police & Crime Commissioner - The Runners and Riders<div style="display: block; font-family: &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;"><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7068965517241379" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_62965" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/307439313/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;access_key=key-sFerGwIrpsOBm9cF2gyR&amp;show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe></div>Tony Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582104984399398091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854649337369517192.post-51308235207424282652016-04-08T15:21:00.001+01:002016-04-08T15:21:10.719+01:00Southend Council Elections - The Runners and Riders<div style="display: block; font-family: &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;"><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7068965517241379" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_79541" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/307439311/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;access_key=key-9cgrra133mifzb59LxMN&amp;show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe></div>Tony Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582104984399398091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854649337369517192.post-2025794446914979492016-04-07T22:16:00.003+01:002016-04-07T22:16:37.417+01:00Southend Conservatives 2016 Local Election Manifesto<div style="display: block; font-family: &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;"><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7080062794348508" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_69288" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/307366798/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;access_key=key-NTced3xXiYNmbZ3X5nvb&amp;show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe></div>Tony Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582104984399398091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854649337369517192.post-32689485636558811082016-04-07T22:15:00.001+01:002016-04-07T22:15:11.522+01:00Shoebury Wars - Independent Party StyleA massive row has broken out in Shoeburyness Ward by a former and current Independent Party councillor which has been reported in the <a href="http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/14404292.Row_erupts_in_Shoebury_as_former_councillor_stands_against_her_old_colleague/?ref=twtrec">Southend Echo</a>.<br /><br />Whilst the petty squabbling was amusing, the part that really caught my attention was Mike Assenheim's admission that the Independents are a party. Yet however, in a recent leaflet delivered by Mike, he seems to have gone to great lengths to tell residents that the Independents are not a party:<br /><br /><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7280064568200162" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_84774" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/307366581/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;access_key=key-76XrLR8sqTJdN2e0iPzM&amp;show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe><br /><br /><span style="color: red;">Oops, the guard has slipped...</span>Tony Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582104984399398091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854649337369517192.post-49098171981118317822016-04-04T17:02:00.000+01:002016-04-04T22:16:04.019+01:00Garrison Planning Application<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1TR2Bgn9ziY/VwKELJW-owI/AAAAAAAAA9w/JFW2IEnepEYeVuiFSjUwswpFn4NonmCzg/s1600/James%2BMoyies%2B-%2BOracle%2BArticle%2BApril%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1TR2Bgn9ziY/VwKELJW-owI/AAAAAAAAA9w/JFW2IEnepEYeVuiFSjUwswpFn4NonmCzg/s400/James%2BMoyies%2B-%2BOracle%2BArticle%2BApril%2B2016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The first weekend of every month sees the delivery of the Thorpe Bay Oracle magazine.<br /><br />Although titled Thorpe Bay Oracle, it is delivered in some parts of West Shoebury and Shoeburyness wards if it is deemed to be a 'highly affluent' area. I particularly like the local issues section and it regularly features some good contributions from local people or community groups.<br /><br />This months guest columnist is my former UKIP (now Southend Independence Group) West Shoebury colleague James Moyies.<br /><br />The article starts with James work as the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and the cuts that he has had made within the Public Health budget but there was, rather unsurprisingly, no robust defence of the decision, in the face of all the cuts, <a href="http://shoeburyblogger.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/choices-choices-choices.html">to spend over £3,000</a> sponsoring a recent Southend United fixture unlike he made at the last People Scrutiny Committee meeting.<br /><br />The final part of the article relates to the recent decision by the Planning Committee to grant outline planning permission for 172 homes on the former Gunners Park site.<br /><br />Without wanting to bore readers with a history lesson of the site, in 1998, the Labour/Lib Dem Administration gave planning permisssion for the now Garrison development. As part of this planning consent, was to turn this space from parkland into light industrial use.<br /><br />Some 18 years later, I'm sure that I would get near, or if not, unanimous agreement that light industry is not appropriate in what is a largely residential area.<br /><br />At the recent Planning Committee meeting on the 2nd March, planning permission, after months of twoing and throwing, was granted to build new homes on this site. In the Oracle article, James gives an, I'm sure, well meaning apology for not preventing planning permission being granted for this site. Well, to be quite frank, so he should, as this is what happens when candidates promise the electorate jam tomorrow when there is a chance that they will not be able to deliver on the promises that they make once elected.<br /><br />James blames the decision to award planning permission on the Conservative and UKIP groups on the Planning Committee. What is so blatent about this article is the covering of James and his Administrations backside on this issue and try to divert blame elsewhere.<br /><br />You see, the Conservatives do not currently run Southend Council. The current Administration is made up of the Independent Party, Labour, Lib Dem and Southend Independence Group councillors. This means that the Administration will have the majority on every committee - including the planning committee.<br /><br />For avoidance of doubt, I have put together a chart of the Planning Committee members and the way they voted on this planning application:<br /><br /><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="1.414442700156986" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_20176" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/306939674/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;access_key=key-0gQUiDZC1EY0dN2ynOVX&amp;show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe><br /><br />As you can see, <b>five members of the Administration voted for the approval of this planning application</b>. For the record, I would voted against this application. My reasons are the density of the numbers of houses proposed and the traffic impact on the alread busy and congested Ness Road and Campfield Road.<br /><br />I would have liked to have personally attended the Planning Committee but I wasn't allowed to. This Administration changed the rules preventing a councillor not on the Planning Committee attending and speaking for or against a planning application if it is not in the ward that they represent. This planning application was in Shoeburyness ward and not West Shoebury ward that I represent. Therefore, I was prevented from speaking, or gagged if you like, by the current Administration who claims to be 'democratic'.<br /><br />As they say, empty vessels make the most noise...Tony Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582104984399398091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854649337369517192.post-2091120527191256332016-04-02T20:37:00.001+01:002016-04-03T09:16:34.285+01:00'Improved' Garden Waste Collection Charges<div style="display: block; font-family: &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;">Just before Christmas, over 19,000 households in the borough who were on the 39 week garden waste collection service received a letter from the new waste contractor Veolia informing them of the 'enhancement to their service'.<br /><br />Great news you would think, as these 19,000 residents would now get their garden waste collected 52 weeks a year instead of 39. The only snag is that these 19,000 households faced a rise in their charge for the service of up to 37% if they do not pay by direct debit.<br /><br />Over the past few months, this single issue has dominated my mailbox as residents who subscribed to the 39 week garden waste service chose this service rather than the alternative 52 week service on offer as they simply did not require the service.<br /><br />Things start to get a little clearer now in how the Administration are plugging the £1 Million cut in the waste budget.<br /><br /></div><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7080062794348508" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_81632" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/297205306/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;access_key=key-TJx0iT4nm9DcCRDnOitA&amp;show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe>Tony Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582104984399398091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854649337369517192.post-5989940782391309382016-04-02T20:23:00.002+01:002016-04-03T09:13:35.023+01:00An Appropriate Use of Money?<div style="display: block; font-family: &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;">A few months ago, readers may remember that I brought you the story of the decision by Southend's Public Health Team's decision to spend over £3,000 sponsoring the Southend Utd v Blackpool fixture earlier this season.<br /><br />This decision was made despite the Public Health Team making £500,000 in year savings. At the last Place Scrutiny Committee meeting, it was confirmed by the Portfolio Holder and officers that the decision to sponsor this fixture was to encourage people to quite smoking.<br /><br />You can imagine the astonishment, when at the same meeting, appearing on page 3 of a list of all the targets that the Council has failed to meet, was the target that the Council has for the number of people going through the quit smoking programme.<br /><br />Was this an appropriate use of taxpayers money?</div><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7262479871175523" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_43734" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/297205323/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;access_key=key-83UKu22pNGiQ7edtvjuI&amp;show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe>Tony Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582104984399398091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854649337369517192.post-83958756881809619372016-04-02T20:12:00.000+01:002016-04-02T20:12:12.138+01:00Vote Derek Jarvis on the 5th May<div style="display: block; font-family: &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;"><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7080062794348508" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_8365" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/306749750/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;access_key=key-R1YrdfeKfjP2HltHw7jV&amp;show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe></div>Tony Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582104984399398091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854649337369517192.post-38165423987877508662016-04-02T20:10:00.001+01:002016-04-02T20:10:45.935+01:00West Shoebury Record - Council Budget Special<div style="display: block; font-family: &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;"><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7036747458952306" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_84431" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/306749721/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;access_key=key-kStDSVkDVL8MkbnBIodM&amp;show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe></div>Tony Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582104984399398091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854649337369517192.post-14466191188119356542015-12-13T10:22:00.003+00:002015-12-13T10:22:55.482+00:00Southend Energy CompanyRecently, Southend Council has set up its own energy company with the noble aim of trying to reduce fuel poverty in the town. I would always encourage residents to <a href="http://www.uswitch.com/gas-electricity/ppc-rev/new/energy/?ref=ppcgoogle~brand-ppc~000148~energy&amp;gclid=CIqrlZDK2MkCFScFwwod0dILxg">compare energy prices</a> to see if they can get a better deal elsewhere.<br /><br />Yesterday evening, Mrs Cox received a personalised letter from Leader of the Council Ron Woodley encouraging Mrs C to switch to OVO Energy. Curiously, my name was left off the letter. Is this a deliberate ploy to target female members of households?<br /><br /><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7080062794348508" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_51930" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/293139407/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;access_key=key-8oJjUeutUtxiS6TMUJCX&amp;show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe><br /><br />My colleague, Cllr James Courtenay, <a href="http://shoeburyblogger.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/questions-from-members-of-council.html">raised a question</a> on the cost of marketing of this letter at Full Council last Thursday. The answer was revealing. In effect, the Leader of the Council has had a £7,000 marketing campaign paid for at Council Taxpayer expense. Does the Leader of the Council really have such a big enough ego to think that his name alone will encourage people to flock en mass to OVO Energy.<br /><br />Never in my time as part of the previous administration did, I, my colleagues, or the Leader of the Council ever have such a luxury of a personalised £7,000 self promotion budget. The responsible thing to do would have the letter sent in either the Corporate Director or Chief Executive's name.<br /><br />To be clear, I do not have a personal problem with Southend Council creating its own Energy Company. If residents can get the best possible deal with OVO Energy then great. There were some aspects of the report when the energy company was set up - especially with the Solar Panels option which in effect mean that Southend Council are nationalising your roof.<br /><br />After receiving the letter, I did look at what OVO Energy could save me on my current energy bills. Unfortunately, there was no such luck. Moving to OVO Energy would have actually cost me <b>an extra £216 a year</b>.<br />Tony Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582104984399398091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854649337369517192.post-65550179934851746612015-12-11T17:05:00.002+00:002015-12-11T17:05:12.456+00:00Questions From Members of the Council<div style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;">A permanent feature at Full Council meetings is the half an hour allocated to members to ask questions to either the Leader of the Council of Portfolio Holder on any subject of their choice.</div><div style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;">As it is coming to the budget setting time the Leader is trotting out his well used line that borrowing was too high under the previous administration.</div><div style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;">I decided to use one of my two permitted questions yesterday evening to finally get to the bottom of the Leader's well rehearsed line.</div><div style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;">On page 5 of the tabled questions, I asked the Leader to tell the Council which schemes under the previous Conservative administration that were financed by borrowing he would not have proceeded with. &nbsp;</div><div style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;"><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7074509803921568" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_27106" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/293013888/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;access_key=key-F54qOmR7T93gb3ZpdVfb&amp;show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe></div><div style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;">As you can see from the written response, it was a long winded answer to say none! As a suplimentary question, I asked the Leader of the Council if he could tell the Chamber which schemes he voted against in opposition.</div><div style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;">Again, the answer was quite revealing. He couldn't name any! To view the exchange, you can watch the webcast <a href="http://www.southend.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/203353">here</a>.&nbsp;</div>Tony Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582104984399398091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854649337369517192.post-49425120108031674502015-12-11T16:42:00.001+00:002015-12-11T17:14:01.067+00:00Choices, choices, choices<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9tU5qZpSaMM/Vmq-xD57xbI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/GMxAFIRgQQ0/s1600/Southend%2BUtd%2Bv%2BBlackpool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9tU5qZpSaMM/Vmq-xD57xbI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/GMxAFIRgQQ0/s320/Southend%2BUtd%2Bv%2BBlackpool.jpg" width="222" /></a>Choices. This was very much the buzz word during the <a href="http://democracy.southend.gov.uk/documents/s1507/Notice%20of%20Motion%20on%20HIV%20Testing%2010112015%20Cabinet.pdf">HIV motion</a> which was debated at Full Council last night.<br /><br />Cabinet had made the decision not to proceed with the motion based purely on costs. Full Council voted last night to ask Cabinet to reconsider the decision. &nbsp; <br /><br />During the previous Cabinet cycle, the current administration put through a paper to take out over £500,000 from the Public Health budget. If you have a look at where the <a href="http://minutes.southend.gov.uk/akssouthend/images/att25936.pdf">savings</a> were made these were to some of the most disadvantaged in society.<br /><br />When savings have to be made, this can, on occasions, be seen as inertia not to do anything. It is claimed that there was no money for HIV testing yet money was found by the public health team to sponsor the recent Southend United v Blackpool fixture.<br /><br />A quick look at the <a href="http://www.southendunited.co.uk/commercial/sponsorship/">sponsorship packages</a> on the Southend United website show that match sponsorship packages range between £1,000 - £1,200. These packages include:<br /><ul><li>An Executive Box for 10 people</li><li>Champaigne Reception</li><li>Wines, beers and soft drinks</li><li>Pre match hot buffet</li></ul><div>In austere times, is this a priority on what public money should be spent on? For me, it sends out completely the wrong message.</div>Tony Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582104984399398091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854649337369517192.post-1818564587941291892015-11-24T13:54:00.004+00:002015-11-24T13:54:53.335+00:00Jeremy Corbyn's First 10 Weeks as Labour LeaderThere was a supurb breakdown in the Telegraph Online of Jeremy Corbyn's first 10 weeks as Labour Leader:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aaNu039Liu4/VlRr64Dg3tI/AAAAAAAAA80/bRyf4d-Qai8/s1600/Jezza%2BLeadership.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aaNu039Liu4/VlRr64Dg3tI/AAAAAAAAA80/bRyf4d-Qai8/s1600/Jezza%2BLeadership.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The full Telegraph Online article can be found <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/Jeremy_Corbyn/12012511/Jeremy-Corbyn-is-dragging-Labour-down-into-the-abyss.html">here</a>.</div>Tony Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582104984399398091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854649337369517192.post-37039338551495386442015-11-23T15:11:00.004+00:002015-11-23T15:11:39.434+00:00Southend Dementia Garden<div style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;"><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="1.414442700156986" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_96638" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/290854005/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;access_key=key-oLRDkDwHH0eOzr167Hq1&amp;show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe></div>Tony Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582104984399398091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854649337369517192.post-69277767608574959262015-11-23T15:09:00.000+00:002015-11-23T15:09:12.320+00:00Christmas & New Year 2015/16 Waste Collection Dates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3IYWBRU0XIU/VlMr9XH0JUI/AAAAAAAAA8c/QZm5DAz5jRo/s1600/Christmas%2BCollection%2BDates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3IYWBRU0XIU/VlMr9XH0JUI/AAAAAAAAA8c/QZm5DAz5jRo/s400/Christmas%2BCollection%2BDates.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Tony Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582104984399398091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854649337369517192.post-36875556725234050432015-11-08T13:56:00.000+00:002015-11-08T14:03:10.204+00:00Shoeburyness Remembers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9h-JiEFvCxo/Vj9V-Jrq_6I/AAAAAAAAA8M/QQMoW3xMN5s/s1600/scan0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9h-JiEFvCxo/Vj9V-Jrq_6I/AAAAAAAAA8M/QQMoW3xMN5s/s640/scan0001.jpg" width="481" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Tony Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582104984399398091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854649337369517192.post-30626357471152914262015-11-08T13:04:00.000+00:002015-11-08T13:55:10.691+00:00Mike Lucas-Gill Selected <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Mike Lucas-Gill has been selected as the Conservative candidate for the Rochford by-election. Mike is standing in this by-election, which has been called due to the sudden and sad loss of his wife Jill Lucas-Gill.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Mike is standing to continue the work that Jill started, but unfortunately did not complete. Mike has&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">lived in the district for over 50 years, 30 of these in Rochford itself. Some of you might remember Mike from the hardware shop (Home Plus 2) that he ran with Jill in the market square for over 10 years.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">As for experience, Mike has served as a parish councillor at Rochford Parish Council for a period of time, so have had experience of local government at that level.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Having lived in the ward for 30 years, Mike is passionate about keeping Rochford a safe, healthy and enjoyable place to live, for all residents.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">The residents will be Mike's first priority, with District matters coming second, unless they directly affect residents.</span></div>Tony Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582104984399398091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854649337369517192.post-8469007880539866282015-11-08T12:55:00.002+00:002015-11-08T12:55:47.453+00:00Plan Launched to end Shoebury Transport Woes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7-x_tuukjNo/Vj9FoMEQLMI/AAAAAAAAA7w/8RkJXhX9Dzo/s1600/Photo%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7-x_tuukjNo/Vj9FoMEQLMI/AAAAAAAAA7w/8RkJXhX9Dzo/s1600/Photo%2B1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt;">Following concerns raised by the Shoeburyness Residesnts Association (SRA) at the general increase traffic in Ness Road and congestion at the Campfield Road junction, Shoebury Conservatives have been working with local architect Nick Kenny, to develop a plan for the area which Shoebury Conservatives hope the Council will adopt.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt;">The plan features a new mini roundabout at the Campfield Road junction to alleviate current congestion and an increase in the number of parking spaces along Ness Road. Although not shown on the map, Shoebury Conservatives are also pressing for West Road to revert back to a two way road to help local businesses.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt;">Nick Kenny, who owns the draughtsman in Ness Road commented:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I was approached by local councillors Roger Hadley, Derek Jarvis and Tony Cox to address concerns along Ness Road which are shared by a number of residents.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I believe this plan addresses long held concerns by local residents and hope that the Council will adopt this plan for the road layout in Ness Road.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt;">Starting later this month, Shoebury Conservatives will be taking the plans on a ‘road show’ across Shoebury so residents can view the plans and sign up to show their support.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt;">If residents support the plans, councillors Roger Hadley, Derek Jarvis and Tony Cox will submit the plans to Full Council. It is envisaged that the proposed plan for Ness Road will be funded either by new Capital Money or from developer contributions. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Upon the unveiling of the plan Cllr Derek Jarvis commented:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Congestion at the junction with Campfield Road is horrendous which will only get worse should any further development in Shoebury take place.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt;">“If the plans have the full support from local residents, I will be pressing the Council to adopt it as its preferred plan for Ness Road.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt;">Conservative candidate for Shoeburyness ward Sue Abrahams also commented:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Whilst out campaigning, the junction at Campfield Road is coming out high on the list of residents concerns. Improving this junction will be part of my manifesto at the local elections next year.”&nbsp;</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="1.4160125588697017" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_23338" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/288927110/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;access_key=key-SxBDOGFzSAN2E4Wl08pZ&amp;show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe>Tony Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582104984399398091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854649337369517192.post-4336537766060892832015-11-08T12:51:00.002+00:002015-11-08T12:51:37.916+00:00Latest West Shoebury Newsletter<div style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;"><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="1.420472440944882" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_52227" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/288927116/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;access_key=key-LyPzLJMobkUgGBlYaUhY&amp;show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe></div>Tony Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582104984399398091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854649337369517192.post-85138771247622806712015-09-20T20:31:00.001+01:002015-09-20T20:31:11.093+01:00The Lost MemoryOne of my favourite pages in the Southend Echo has always been the letters pages. It is here where we see many councillors and party activists pen their musings to a wider audience. Unfortunately, on many occasions what they tell us differs greatly to their own or their local party's actions in the Civic Centre.<br /><br />This week, for example, there was a letter from former Shoeburyness councillor Anne Chalk criticising the new library in Delaware Road and claiming the Administration has made Shoeburyness &nbsp;the forgotten part of Southend.<br /><br />What Anne Forgot to mention in her letter was that up until May this year, she was a member of the current Administration and had voted for the new library proposals which she now criticises. Some people will just never learn!Tony Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582104984399398091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854649337369517192.post-51623052554485769842015-09-14T11:00:00.001+01:002015-09-14T11:00:15.211+01:00RIP Cllr Jill Lucas-GillWhilst this blog predominantly looks at the local political scene in Shoeburyness and Southend, I was made aware last week of the very sad news that Rochford District councillor Cllr Jill Lucas-Gill, a councillor in my own constituency of Rochford &amp; Southend East suddly passed away. My thoughts are with Jill's husband Mike during this very difficult time.Tony Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582104984399398091noreply@blogger.com0